Five players to watch tonight, and the celebration

Here are five Raiders with a lot on the line tonight against the 49ers:

1. QB Bruce Gradkowski — Back from a groin injury and needs to impress new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, as Kyle Boller has made case for No. 2 job.

2. CB Stanford Routt — Chris Johnson is out with a hamstring injury, and coaches/owner are pushing hard for well-paid speedster to grab starting job.

3. WR Yamon Figurs — Had moments at camp, but needs to do something against Niners to separate himself from back of pack and make fourth team in four years.

4. LB Quentin Groves — Fiery, engaging personality fits in perfectly but would-be fan favorite needs to make plays rushing passer or on special teams to cement a roster spot.

5. CB Walter McFadden — Had a nice start to camp and was praised by Nnamdi Asomugha, but has been passed up by Jeremy Ware, and both aren’t going to make cut.

RAIDER NATION CELEBRATION: Went last night and it was a very festive occasion. The 4,000 fans on hand were fired up, and all the players and coaches and Raiderettes showed up. I thought the downtown location worked very well.

The highlights were coach Tom Cable telling fans “it’s been a long road and it’s over” and he thought his defense could be Top Five in the NFL. There was also a nice moment when the fans pointed to the sky to the late Jack Tatum. “Raidertore” scared the bejeezus out of my 3-year-old daughter but then he gave her one of his playing cards and they quickly bonded. They have a playdate on Wednesday.